For the Gatemen, Wednesday felt like a gut-punch. After leading the Harwich Mariners 5-3 in the fifth inning, the Gatemen let a seventh win slip through their fingers, allowing two runs in the top of the ninth with two outs.
The game then went into extras, where the Mariners scored in the top half of the 10th, something the Gatemen could not answer. It was the most heartbreaking loss yet as both players and coaches were stunned by the result.
Now the Gatemen will have to try and brush the loss off their shoulder as they enter a two-game series, the Battle of the Bridge, with the Bourne Braves. It is the first matchup of the 2025 season between these two ball clubs. In 2024, the Gatemen took control of the season series, going 3-1-1 against the Braves.
Bourne is coming off a 7-3 victory against the Orleans Firebirds, which improved their record to 5-9-1. That puts them only a point behind the Gatemen in the West Division standings, making these next couple of games important to both teams’ position in the rankings.
Starting Pitchers
The Gatemen return to the top of their starting rotation, giving right-hander Daniel Powell (Kennesaw State) the starting privilege tonight. Powell has started in three games for the Gatemen, pitching 10.1 innings, allowing 12 hits, 7 earned runs, and 5 walks while striking out 5 batters.
He had his best start against the Brewster Whitecaps on June 27, where he pitched 4 innings, allowing only 1 hit, 1 run, and 1 walk while getting a punchout. He will need to set the tone early against a Bourne offense that is second in the league in hits with 120.
The Braves will respond by throwing right-hander Zane Petty (Texas Tech). Petty has also started three games for the Braves, pitching 12.1 innings, allowing 9 hits, 7 runs (6 earned), and 11 walks while striking out 16 batters.
His last start against the Chatham Anglers on June 27 did not go as he had hoped, allowing 4 hits, 4 runs, and 4 walks in 2 innings of work. The Gatemen could get a few opportunities to have runners on early in the game if they get under Petty’s skin. Keep an eye on Petty’s first few innings.
Players to Watch
One Gatemen who had a great game against the Mariners on Wednesday was Hunter Carns (Florida State). Carns was the only Gatemen that had a multi-hit game, going 2 for 2 with 3 walks and scoring a run. Both of his hits were doubles, which gave the offense a jolt.
Since he caught on Wednesday, he will not likely be behind the plate, but look for him to potentially be a designated hitter in the lineup tonight.
The Braves got a great performance out of Ryker Waite (Vanderbilt) on Wednesday against the Firebirds. He went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and scored 2 runs. Look for him to stay hot going into tonight.
First pitch for tonight’s game will be at 6:00 p.m. at Doran Park in Bourne. You can attend the game for free, or you can tune into the Gatemen’s radio broadcast with Cory Miller, Josh Richardson, and Rayna Maggelet on the call by clicking HERE.
